I'm thinking out-of-the-box about shower surrounds.

I plan to remove the old rusty tub and replace it with a walk-in shower of the same size (30 x 60). I want waterproof shower surround all the way up to the ceiling. But, on a budget - no real marble or tile with grout lines to maintain.

I've been looking online at shower surrounds. Any of ceiling height are fairly pricey. Nothing really thrilling me.

I've also been looking at kitchen cabinets & countertop laminates.

Calcutta marble is attractive & popular - and I can get that look in large (different sizes) laminate sheets. So, I can build the countertops to be seamless.

All of a sudden, a lightbulb went off in my head!! AHA!!

Any reason I couldn't use the laminate as shower surround? I can get it in 5 x 8' sheets - one for the back, and one to cut in half for the ends.

I've never done this before, but it seems perfect. It would have the marble look, durable and easy to clean, coordinate with the kitchen, and stay on budget.

What am I missing?

I love the useful nature of laminate sheets, but shower stalls aren’t a good use. Basically, you need that glossy finish that tubs and ceramic tile have in order to keep the fat from soap and hard water deposits from bonding so tightly that you can’t clean it.

Hmmm.... I've discovered that Wilsonart makes a product called "wetwall", specifically for this application. Available at Lowes or Menards.

DJ, my dad did home remodeling as well as owning rental properties. In his own house, his rentals, and even my house all the bathrooms had laminate on the 3 walls of the tub/shower area and many times even the ceiling. They have held up well for almost 30 years. Some of the laminate has started to come loose after about 30 years which is pretty good.

As a result, I would recommend that you make sure to do good preparation work and use a very good laminate glue and it should hold up well for you. The only thing I don't like is having to re-caulk the seems in the corners and along the shower/tub base on a regular basis.

AM I MISSING SOMETHING? Yes your missing the boat!

Be cautious where you replace a tub with a shower stall. Low place in the home is not a place to convert due to sewer back ups.

You can get the whole surround- bottom and 3 nice sides that have 'STRUCTURE" to them. From depot or lows. Set of 4 costs about 350.00-400.00.

My suggestion turn off the light that just went on and do your job with professional looking materials-- helps make it rent quicker also.

Yes, the Wilsnart wetwall is thicker.

Yes, the cheap, molded plastic 3-pece surround with molded-in shelves is OK. But, I'm trying to find something all the way to the ceiling for better splash protection. Maybe I won't find it, without tiling, but still trying.

And we used this one in our own home to many compliments from the kids: retrofitted a tub to a shower in the guest bath, and used these walls. They come with several clip-on baskets and shelves to hold toiletries, very handy when many people are sharing a shower with all their own stuff!

STERLING

STORE+ 60 in. x 75-3/4 in. 1-Piece Direct-to-Stud Alcove Shower Wall in White

A thicker walled surround will allow you install that much easier.

Save old shower curtail rods and a few 2x4s to hold the sides up. I prefer a three piece system over a 5 piece as less seams means less opportunity for a future leak.

Just do it right. Big tiles on the walls, darker grout lines. Adds 'pop" and appeal to renters. Actually almost buy the material cheaper than a "good to high end" surround. Just takes more time to install. And...you can charge more rent since it looks better too ;)

I agree never had a problem w wet walls above the surround. 2x I used the nextile 4 piece direct to stud surround w the inset shelf. it looks sharp and they make a shower version. I did have to buy 3 to make a set w out mfg blemishes or scratches.

WMH, I like that surround you bought but I wouldn't put it in a rental. I'm concerned tenants would loose the baskets or damage the surround moving them around. plus it says they are dishwasher safe so right there you know tenants will leave them mucked up. does it have places to out things if you don't buy the baskets?